Putting stuff together with Grandpa

Although our grandsons who live in the area know that we have a couple of Erector Sets and a fairly complex Lego Set, it has become obvious that there are too many other toys and distractions for them to take the initiative in asking to play with the sets. So Carolyn decided to set up some "Grandpa time" during a couple of their visits. I would help them get started on a project and then oversee and serve as advisor.

Arnold helping Jake start building a model with the Erector Set.

Carolyn helping Tim sort the Erector Set components

After an hour or so with the Erector Sets it became obvious that this toy requires a lot of small motor coordination and unless one of us hovered around each boy, the tasks were just too detailed for these two to stay interested.  I couldn't handle it alone because I could only help one and the boy not being helped would begin to lose interest, and either start building something different or leave for another toy altogether.  And if Tim or Jake lost interest it was really difficult to get them back again.

I help Tim work on a component

Even the boys' father Ed got involved with the Lego set.